New Report from The Common Good Highlights Urgent Need to Strengthen American Democracy

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Oct 23, 2024, 14:42 ET

As global democracies face backsliding, the U.S. struggles with polarization, political divides, growing distrust, and rising threats of violence, says 2024 report.

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national report from the nonpartisan group, The Common Good, reveals alarming trends in American democracy. According to America's Report Card ©, U.S. democracy receives a grade of C- compared to other democracies. The report is the first in a series that compares the U.S. to nations across the globe in important policy areas, like the economy, national defense, and health, highlighting urgent areas for improvement.

The group analyzed and compiled data from leading sources, including their own Index on National Division. The findings are striking:

America's Report Card © gave the U.S. a grade of C- overall on Democracy compared to other nations. As revealed in the report, half a century ago the U.S. consistently ranked among the world's leading democracies but now, the U.S. ranks among less established democracies.
On governance and democracy, the U.S. fell from near the top alongside countries like Sweden, and now stands at 44th of 167th among countries such as the Philippines.
Over 75% of Americans agree that "national division is a threat to democracy."
The U.S. stands out as the only advanced Western democracy facing intense polarization for an extended period, placing it in uniquely dangerous territory. 75% of Americans believe "politicians actively promote division for personal or political gain."
The report warns that the wave of populist leaders and their attacks on democratic institutions, elections, and the rule of law, amplifies distrust in our institutions.
Alarming findings show 27% of Americans believe political violence is "rarely" or "always" justified. Worryingly, only 48% of respondents think political violence is "never" justified.

Patricia Duff, founder of The Common Good, said, "America's Report Card © shows that the state of our democracy is at a critical juncture. Americans can do better. Our politics of division must end."

About The Common Good
The Common Good strives to inspire broad participation in our democracy through the free exchange of ideas and civil dialogue and seeks to find ways to bridge the growing divisions that threaten our nation. https://www.thecommongoodus.org

Contact:
Patricia Duff +1 (917) 331-0123 [email protected]
Brock Walker +1 (702) 275-6757 [email protected]

SOURCE The Common Good